I’ve tried the Novation Launchkey MK4 and found that it’s just not going to work for me. There is currently (April 2025) an ALSA bug that prevents the Launchkey MK4 from working in DAW mode. Even if/when that bug is fixed, configuring basic parameters like which CC# the faders send, requires either using Novation’s website or a standalone application that is not available for Linux. The fact that a computer and internet access is required for such basic operation is just not acceptable to me.
For my needs, DAW integration is not a requirement, but simple configuration without external software is. An actual 5-pin MIDI port is a requirement as I often use the controller to play physical synthesizers without a computer. Also, I’d also like velocity, mod and bend wheels, and splits/layers if possible.
I don’t need drum pads, an arp, chord mode, or any of that stuff. Just a basic controller.
So my questions:
Do you know of a controller that might meet the needs listed above?
What MIDI controller are you folks using on Linux?
Hey Jon,
Fatar are the actual manufacturers for high end keybeds and keyboards. A lot of other manufacturers who care about piano feel buy their keybeds. I use the Fatar Studiologic which is an older model. They probably produce exactly what you are looking for. The keybeds are some of the best in the industry with piano like feel and the midi controls on that model were as you stated with velocity, mod, bend and split. I have not checked out their products recently but they either have a new model or buy a used one.
I use an Akai MPK261, on Linux. It’s a few years old now and I believe that there’s a newer version now, so that might no longer match what I’m saying here about mine…
No drivers or external software needed.
It does have DAW transport controls but I don’t use them so can’t comment on its DAW integration. Its pads and knobs/buttons are all configurable within the device itself, if you want them. For MIDI connections it has both USB and 5-pin.
When I was looking into what to get it came down to this and an Arturia. It was the feel of the keys that decided it for me. I’m not 100% sold on the Akai’s feel but the Arturia one was not for me at all. I’m very glad I went to a music shop to try them both first, because I was leaning toward the Arturia before that.
It has 88 lested keys, modulation and pitch wheels of course, 8 midi rotative controls; and it’s the only one I found which is electric piano too (soundfonts, speakers).
After budget considerations and the like I settled on the Nektar Impact GXP61. It was a couple hundred bucks, so it was cheaper that my first attempt with the Novation Launchkey 61.
It has far fewer features than the launchkey, but I was able to make a MIDI Map that got almost everything working in the way that I want.
